Efficiency of Ross 308 broilers under different nutritional requirements

Abstract

The use of nutritional requirements adjusted to the new broiler genotypes defines their optimal genetic expression. Thus, broiler breeders, universities, and scientific institutions have carried out research with different nutritional requirements to improve the productive efficiency of broilers and decrease production costs. This test aimed to evaluate the growth performance and carcass characteristics of 1,200 unsexed Ross 308 broiler fed diets formulated by the requirements of Ross 308, NRC, FEDNA, and Rostagno for a period of 35 d. Throughout the experimental period, the Ross 308 group improved ( P < 0.05) the BW and feed intake compared with the other experimental requirements. In addition, the NRC group decreased the BW and feed intake, although with similar results with the FEDNA and Rostagno groups, respectively ( P < 0.05); this last treatment decreased the feed conversion ratio and viability ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, the Ross 308 and FEDNA groups showed the highest carcass yield ( P < 0.05); and the lowest breast yield ( P < 0.05) was found in the NRC group. However, the leg and abdominal fat yields did not differ among treatments ( P > 0.05). Moreover, diets under FEDNA reported the highest relative weights for the liver, heart, and gizzard. Likewise, this group (FEDNA) reduced breast protein and ashes, as well as the NRC group increased crude fat and decreased the a ∗. The diets formulated based on digestible amino acids and with a good balance of protein and energy, such as those of the Ross 308 group, showed the higher results.